Helldivers 2 Stream Deck: How to Optimize It for Fast Stratagem Use

Uncategorized · · 09/09/2025

One of the coolest parts about Helldivers 2 is the Stratagem system. Calling down reinforcements and orbital strikes at the right moment often makes the difference between victory and a squad wipe. But did you know there’s a way to make it even smoother? One that Arrowhead might call us undemocratic for!

That’s where Elgato’s Stream Deck comes in. Originally designed for streamers, the Stream Deck’s customizable keys can be turned into a Helldiver’s command console, letting you use Stratagems with a single tap. Here’s how you can set up the Elgato Stream Deck in Helldivers 2 for maximum efficiency and style.

How to Set Up the Elgato Stream Deck for Helldivers 2

An image of the Elgato Stream Deck.
The Stream Deck can be a game-changer. | Image Credit: Elgato

Before you can use your Stream Deck as a one-button solution for Stratagems, you’ll need to tweak a few in-game settings. By default, Helldivers 2

requires you to hold a button to open the Stratagem menu, which can interfere with macro sequences. To fix this, open Options > Mouse & Keyboard > Change Bindings and switch “Open Stratagem List” from Hold to Press

With that small adjustment, your Stream Deck will recognize commands instantly and execute them without any issues. Once that’s set, you can either build your own profile or download community-made ones. One free one you can use is CrashKoeck’s, which you can find here. There are also paid versions available. You can find them all in the Elgato Marketplace.

If you own a physical Stream Deck, you’ll have access to 6-key, 15-key, or 32-key layouts, each of which can be customized with multi-action macros. So basically, you’ll be able to map complex Stratagem combos like orbital strikes or exosuit drops to a single button.

If you don’t want to invest in the hardware or buy the Stream Deck, Elgato also has a free Stream Deck mobile app for iOS and Android. The free version limits you to six buttons at once, but you can use folders and multiple pages to expand it beyond that. And with the shared profiles from the community, even mobile users can trigger Stratagems at lightning speed without needing the full $149.99 device.

You Can Even Add Style to Your Stream Deck with Custom Icons

A squad of players in Helldivers 2
A helldiver posing with a sword in Helldivers 2.
A squad of players in Helldivers 2
A squad of players in Helldivers 2
A squad of players in Helldivers 2

And of course, it’s not just about the improved performance; style matters too. No Helldiver setup is complete without a themed interface. The community has stepped up with high-quality custom Stratagem icons, many of which are available on Reddit and the Elgato Marketplace. One of the icon packs shared by u/Trexana_ on the game’s subreddit is pretty old, but you can check it out here.

The Stream Deck can genuinely change the way you play. By eliminating input errors and speeding up Stratagem calls, you reduce downtime and improve squad coordination. A lot of us might think that the fun is in panicking and failing Stratagem inputs, and that’s also right. But there’s also a different kind of fun in seamlessly getting everything done.

With a properly configured Stream Deck, your Stratagems become instant, your inputs flawless, and this allows you to have a smooth sailing experience in every mission.